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Uncovering DNA identification: What kind of science can identify criminals?
In today's society, with the advancement of science and technology, DNA testing has become an indispensable part of criminal investigations, especially investigations covering rape incidents. This technology can not only help police identify suspects, but also reconstruct the events that occurred based on biological evidence at the crime scene. This article takes an in-depth look at the DNA testing process and its importance in rape investigations.
Procedure of Rape Investigation
The first task of a rape investigation is to gather the facts of the suspected case, which includes forensic identification of the suspect, the pattern of rape and other details. According to statistics, the vast majority of rape cases are committed by people known to the victim, while strangers only account for 5% to 15%. Therefore, identifying the suspect is often the top priority in case investigation.
Biological evidence such as semen, blood and saliva can be identified through crime laboratories and this information can help confirm whether sexual contact occurred.
Preservation of forensic evidence
Effective evidence preservation is critical during investigations and future prosecutions. Investigators must try to follow these steps while comforting victims:
- Do not cut off the victim's clothing or discard any evidence at the scene.
- Put bloodstained clothing into separate paper bags, never plastic bags.
- Good intentions discourage victims from clearing themselves, as all evidence is critical.
- Encourage victims to seek medical help.
Record of victim injury
Forensic examinations will examine the entire body to document any injuries from minor to severe, which is important evidence to support a victim's claim that rape occurred without consent. The collection of body fluid samples can reveal evidence that may identify or eliminate a suspect.
Toxicology report
Collecting urine and blood samples to determine a victim's concentration of alcohol, drugs, or other unknown substances can help support a claim that the victim failed to consent to sex.
The passage of time
Whether the victim reports days, weeks, or months after the rape, the need for a physical forensic examination decreases over time. Deterioration of the situation may affect the available physical forensic evidence, at which point memory-based interviews may be required to support the investigation.
Collection of documentary evidence
Documentary evidence was also collected as part of a thorough rape investigation. This evidence may include paper records and digital data, such as:
- Police records
- Court Documents
- Business Records
- Personal documents (letters, diaries)
- Phone records
- Medical Records
- Social service records
- Audio or video files
- Data computer records
- Email and SMS
Identification of the suspect
DNA profiling
Crime labs use DNA profiling to test for biological evidence, most commonly through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a technique that can analyze a limited number of samples. Further short string repeat (STR) testing can generate a DNA signature that can then be compared to the suspect's DNA.
In some cases, criminals may deliberately plant fake DNA samples, affecting the accuracy of the investigation.
Police investigation statement
Rape investigations are usually reported by the victim herself, but may also be reported by a third party or by a mandatory police reporter. The victim will provide a written or videotaped statement and the suspect will then be investigated. These records will be used as evidence in court.
The battle over the quality of rape investigations
Criticisms from Victims Advocates
Advocates for victims of sexual violence have long accused police of failing to take victims seriously when they report crimes, which has led to changes in laws and procedures.
Criticisms from wrongful conviction advocates
On the other hand, wrongful conviction advocates also point out that some police and prosecutors lack professional integrity and fail to conduct thorough investigations.
Analysis of rape types and circumstances
Biological indicators such as evidence of trauma can help to understand the circumstances of a rape, and scrapes and bruises on the victim can clearly show how the attack occurred. Of course, the results of these medical examinations can help reconfirm the facts of the incident.
As DNA testing becomes increasingly popular today, the accuracy and reliability provided by this technology undoubtedly provide strong support for sexual assault cases. However, how to ensure that every victim is treated fairly during the investigation and that innocent people are not wrongly accused is still a question worth thinking about?
